Taxes and Local Option Sales Tax Debate in Cedar Rapids
The Cedar Rapids editorial argues a reliable revenue source is essential and questions public apathy toward budgets. It notes a 13 percent city spending rise, a Linn County budget with 9.9 percent supervisor pay increases, and a school district hike while projecting a local option tax to raise 69 million over five years, offset by broader increases totaling about 200 million.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Linn County
Seminole Valley Farm Museum
Ushers Ferry
Be Nice to Polluters Proposal Faces Environmental Pushback
Environmental and consumer groups in Iowa oppose a no fault rehabilitation plan that would let polluters audit contamination, report findings to regulators, and escape penalties. Critics warn secrecy would shield identities and details, undermining open government and accountability.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Nothing to Do Revisited and the Hidden Cost of Recreation
Laura Browne of Cedar Rapids argues that local recreation faces rising operating costs and a shrinking volunteer subsidy. She urges residents to understand per head expenses and funding options before a proposed 1-cent sales tax.
Night in Jail Sparks Outrage Over Clerical Error
Dean Warner of Cedar Rapids questions Linn County about a clerical mistake that led to his night in jail after an arrest for disorderly conduct at a bar. He notes a long driving record with 10 traffic convictions and hints at possible legal action.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Scofflaw
Linn County
Iowa City
Deer Debate Flares In Editorial Calls For Urban Solutions
Letters to The Gazette criticize excessive focus on urban deer reduction. Authors argue bowhunting’s urban use began in 1997 and accuse editors of bias against the DNR. They support sharpshooting though they warn of higher urban accident risk and urge journalism standards.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Palisades Park
The
Gazette
Department of Natural Resources
DNR
Gazette invites public letters and guest columns
The Cedar Rapids Gazette invites letters and guest columns addressing public business. Submissions must include the writer’s full name, signature, full street address, and daytime phone number. addresses are not published. No anonymous letters. limit 2300 words. one letter per writer per 30 days. column length suggested under 700 words.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Gazette
Linn County gravel roads blamed for poor spring condition
Donna Welter of Lamont criticizes Linn County road policy. She cites spending about half a million dollars last year and calls for consistent road rock and maintenance to prevent soft, unsafe edges that endanger buses and fire trucks. She questions the road budget and rural taxes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County
Steve Gannon
Donna Welter
Lamont
Thefts reflect lowest form of selfishness in Cedar Rapids
Dee Gearhart laments thefts in Cedar Rapids including a child’s wheelchair and a drum. She urges the thieves to seek help instead of stealing and warns of escalating crimes if they do not change.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dee Gearhart
Cedar Rapids
No smile for reptile caption sparks reader concerns
A reader challenges a March 5 caption about four students viewing a snake, noting three smile and urging removal of stereotypes. The writer shares personal memories of snakes as helpful neighbors controlling rodents and urges accurate depictions in future captions.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Joe Hindley
Ken Slaughter
Dale Larson
Me Reelea van
Mark Bowden
TVS
Seminole Farm
Disney
Seminole Valley Farm
Laura Browne
Dean Warner
Linn’s
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